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Reliable, up-to-date source for financial news distribution and PR. Find the latest news on insurance, banking, property and mortgages and more.Fri, 31 Jul 2015 16:24:01 +0000en-UShourly1Loan or Balance Transfer? What’s Best for Saving Money When Consolidating Debt?http://www.financial-news.co.uk/29120/2015/06/loan-or-balance-transfer-whats-best-for-saving-money-when-consolidating-debt/
http://www.financial-news.co.uk/29120/2015/06/loan-or-balance-transfer-whats-best-for-saving-money-when-consolidating-debt/#commentsTue, 30 Jun 2015 08:09:09 +0000http://www.financial-news.co.uk/?p=29120Debt consolidation is the concern of many people in the world. Consumers are trying the best they can put their bills together so that they can survive in this world full of economic troubles. Loans and balance transfers are two […]

Debt consolidation is the concern of many people in the world. Consumers are trying the best they can put their bills together so that they can survive in this world full of economic troubles. Loans and balance transfers are two choices that consumers have for debt consolidation these days. Some consumers struggle with trying to decide which option is best for them. Both options have positive aspects and negative aspects associated with them. The following is some information on the benefits and disadvantages of both:

Debt Consolidation Loan

A debt consolidation loan is a solution that some companies offer to people who need to put all of their debts together. The lender provides the person with enough funds to cover his or her existing debt. The consumer then only has to worry about making payments to the consolidation lender instead of the various creditors from which he or she has received loans. One of the main benefits of a consolidation loan is that the borrower can receive a lower interest rate than he or she had with the original loans. One of the stipulations to a debt consolidation loan is that the borrower has to have a positive credit score to receive approval for the advance. There are bank loan tools online like calculators that can help you figure out a loan that would be right for you.

Balance Transfer Option

A balance transfer is an option that allows a person to transfer the balance of other debt to a new credit card. To obtain approval for a balance transfer, a person has to have a credit score that professionals consider to be “good.” A good credit score is one that is more than 650 points. Such a score will qualify the individual to obtain a balance transfer card. The balance transfer card allows the person to bring the balance of three previous debts to the credit card. The consumer will then pay his or her credit card bill as usual.

The benefit of having a balance transfer card is that the consumer may have a credit line that exceeds the amount of debt that he or she owes. For example, the consumer may owe £1,000 in other debts, but the limit on the credit card may be as much as £5,000. The consumer can build his or her reputation while paying down the debt that currently exists. The negative aspect of having a balance transfer card is that approval requires a high credit score, and the interest rate may be a little higher than a consolidation loan interest rate.

Consumers can decide which situation works best for them. Both options can help a person to get back to financial health and wellness.

]]>http://www.financial-news.co.uk/29120/2015/06/loan-or-balance-transfer-whats-best-for-saving-money-when-consolidating-debt/feed/15How Will George Osbourne’s “Northern Powerhouse” Affect the Building Industry?http://www.financial-news.co.uk/28759/2015/06/how-will-george-osbournes-northern-powerhouse-affect-the-building-industry/
http://www.financial-news.co.uk/28759/2015/06/how-will-george-osbournes-northern-powerhouse-affect-the-building-industry/#commentsTue, 09 Jun 2015 09:44:18 +0000http://www.financial-news.co.uk/?p=28759The building industry is one of the most important in all of the UK. There are few other industries that affect other areas of the UK economy but nothing affects it as much as the construction industry. A great number […]

The building industry is one of the most important in all of the UK. There are few other industries that affect other areas of the UK economy but nothing affects it as much as the construction industry. A great number of people have jobs within this industry, and it is a forward indicator of the UK economy. When something is referred to as a forward indicator, it means that economists look to the industry to get a gauge of future growth.

There are several current developments in the economy and government of the UK that may affect the building industry. One of those variables is George Osbourne’s “Northern Powerhouse.”

Northern England

For centuries, there has been a division between the economies of the north and south of UK. There are many reasons for this, but the primary driver has always simply been that there are more people and capital in the south to drive economic growth.

The idea of a Northern Powerhouse is one that many politicians have tried to articulate for many years. No one in the government of the UK wants to see Northern England continue to falter in bad economic times. There are many plans that have been put in place, but northern England continues to lag in terms of employment and total economic output. There are many people that have taken on this project, but no one has put their personal reputation at stake like Osbourne.

Building Industry

For the building industry, the idea of a government sponsored plan to invigorate Northern England is something that should be viewed as a positive. Any time a government directed demand increases the economy, building contractors and construction companies like Lagan Construction benefit from the knock on impact this increase has on the construction industry as a whole. Any time a government directed demand increases the economy, building contractors and construction companies like Lagan Construction benefit from the knock on impact this increase has on the construction industry as a whole. The growth should see rising rates and increased demand for construction projects. At the end of the day, any time the government increases demand for a product or service in the short term that industry is going to see increased prices and profits.

Looking Ahead

No one knows whether the plans of George Osbourne to build a Northern Powerhouse are going to do anything to stimulate the economy there. Over the decades, many people have tried to do similar measures and have not succeeded in getting the south and north in similar economic output categories. However, if there is increased spending and demand due to this measure, the building industry is going to benefit especially after the initial passage and work begins. There are many people in the building industry that hope these plans move forward as quickly as possible so that they can get to work building.

]]>http://www.financial-news.co.uk/28759/2015/06/how-will-george-osbournes-northern-powerhouse-affect-the-building-industry/feed/0Debunking Debt Consolidation Mythshttp://www.financial-news.co.uk/28265/2015/05/debunking-debt-consolidation-myths/
http://www.financial-news.co.uk/28265/2015/05/debunking-debt-consolidation-myths/#commentsTue, 12 May 2015 14:31:28 +0000http://www.financial-news.co.uk/?p=28265Debt consolidation involves getting all your debts together and working out how to pay them off as economically as possible. If you have debts left, right and centre it can be easy to miss payments and interest rates can be […]

Debt consolidation involves getting all your debts together and working out how to pay them off as economically as possible. If you have debts left, right and centre it can be easy to miss payments and interest rates can be high. In this article we will talk about some debt consolidation myths that you might have heard.

Consolidation is the same as debt management settlement or bankruptcy

Terminology in the finance industry can be confusing. Many people think that consolidation is a bad thing. They equate it to you bankruptcy or debt settlement schemes. The reality is that debt consolidation really is just ensuring that you are getting the best rates on the money you have borrowed. Here is a great video from Loan.co.uk explaining consolidating debt is.

You can reduce your debt through debt consolidation

When you consolidate your debt you don’t pay anything off. All you’re doing is taking all your debt and making it easier to manage. Essentially you are re-organising your debt, not paying any of it off.

It will impact your credit score

Many people think that consolidation will have an adverse effect on their credit report. If you’re paying off your debt in a responsible way then that will be good for your credit score. If you are failing to keep up with your payments because of high interest rates and difficulty managing payments then that will hurt your credit score. Debt consolidation can actually help you improve your credit score.

You need legal help and outside guidance

Consolidation is all about finding the best way to organise your money. You don’t need a legal representative to look over contracts as you’re not entering into an IVA or similar. All you need is the help of a financial expert, to get you right solutions.

There’s no point consolidating debt

Many people erroneously feel that debt consolidation is just moving your money around and serves little function. The truth is that if you’re paying 22 percent interest rates on credit cards and you can consolidate into a loan a 6 percent you can save yourself a massive amount of money both monthly and in paying off the overall amount. Sometimes debt consolidation is a very sensible option.

You need to own your own home

It is a common myth that you have to be a home owner in order to consolidate debt. It is true that normally you get the best interest rates if you own your home, as you have security for the loan. However, you can still get excellent debt consolidation loans if you are renting.

Debt consolidation can be a massively useful exercise in order to reduce your monthly outgoings and save on the amount of money you pay in interest over the course of your payments. You can literally save thousands of pounds by reducing the interest rates you are paying. You can also pay off your debt more quickly by reducing the monthly payments and therefore overpaying and reducing the term over which are paying interest. Just make sure you engage a company that can help you work out what you can afford and which deals are best for you.

]]>http://www.financial-news.co.uk/28265/2015/05/debunking-debt-consolidation-myths/feed/1Alternative Investing – The Knowledge Gaphttp://www.financial-news.co.uk/28262/2015/05/alternative-investing-the-knowledge-gap/
http://www.financial-news.co.uk/28262/2015/05/alternative-investing-the-knowledge-gap/#commentsTue, 12 May 2015 12:39:37 +0000http://www.financial-news.co.uk/?p=28262An Opportunity to Educate on Alternative Investments The Center for Financial Insight recently reported on a JNLI survey into investors and their views on alternative investing that made for interesting reading. Identifying a lack of knowledge of the alternative investments […]

The Center for Financial Insight recently reported on a JNLI survey into investors and their views on alternative investing that made for interesting reading. Identifying a lack of knowledge of the alternative investments scene across all age groups, the CFI describes this as an “educational opportunity” for the financial sector – and highlighting the scope of the opportunity available, they believe that the chance to make a difference by educating people on alternative investments is ‘vast’.

The first step in helping people gain a clearer understanding of alternative investing would, of course, be in providing a definition. However, defining the term isn’t quite as easy as it sounds, and as the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association points out:
“Definitions of what constitutes an alternative investment vary substantially … alternative investing is largely a new field for which consensus has not emerged … and [consensus] will probably always remain elusive.”

If we define alternative investing at the most basic level, it’s as an “alternative” to the traditional stock market. So this means that anything from wine collections to antique rock guitars can form an investment class all their own – and hopefully prove lucrative for those who choose to invest. But on a deeper level, alternative investing can be more of an equivalent rather than an alternative to the traditional markets. Take for instance the London Stock Exchange’s sub-market, the AIM.

With lower barriers to entry than its big sibling, the AIM means that smaller, growing companies can raise capital by floating – and the cream of the crop may even join the bigger indices one day. So the AIM is alternative investing – but much of the mechanism is traditional. The differences are in things like how much liquidity is in the market, the types of company who make up the market – and, of course, the behaviour of the market itself. The AIM all-share index hasn’t really come close to its all-time high valuation during the dotcom boom. Possibly as a result of this it now attracts many people with real knowledge of tech and alternative investments, while the general public aren’t so forthcoming – hence the need for higher awareness.

Companies and capital

While all investors are looking for a good (or great) return on their capital, business owners have varying needs – some may be willing to give up an equity share in return for advice. Others may be content to make do with a bank loan. Along with the growth in alternative investor numbers there are now growing numbers of investment platforms for business – incubators, accelerators, angel investing and so on. A recent business funding options article from the UK enumerates these along with the pros and cons for business – and perhaps an ideal tool for raising awareness about alternative investments would be one that looks at the pros and cons of different types of investment. Like funding, but from the investor/funder point of view. This would also have the effect of illustrating just how diverse this growing category of alternative investors can be – from those who have assembled a portfolio of judiciously chosen stocks, to those who invest money directly in start-ups (as well as all the types of alternative investor in between).

]]>http://www.financial-news.co.uk/28262/2015/05/alternative-investing-the-knowledge-gap/feed/0Just Ask Waleshttp://www.financial-news.co.uk/26691/2015/02/just-ask-wales/
http://www.financial-news.co.uk/26691/2015/02/just-ask-wales/#commentsMon, 16 Feb 2015 15:58:59 +0000http://www.financial-news.co.uk/?p=26691Brought to you in association with Just Ask Wales What do businesses stand to gain from moving to Wales? The prosaic answer is time, money and freedom, but there’s more to it than that. A small country with a devolved […]

What do businesses stand to gain from moving to Wales? The prosaic answer is time, money and freedom, but there’s more to it than that.

A small country with a devolved government, Wales combines independent economic development with its size and connectivity to function as a pro-business powerhouse. There is nowhere else in the UK which offers better financial packages, and no other MEDC that offers the same enthusiasm for acquiring and growing business interests. First world links and Wales’s small size mean that there is good access to ministers and close links between business and academia. For life sciences alone there is an established £100 million investment fund. Just Ask Wales prides itself on maintaining an absolute minimum of bureaucracy, allowing them to accommodate Wales’s best interests through links to major businesses.

Likewise there is a skilled, loyal workforce whose enthusiasm for new businesses and jobs mirrors that of their government. It’s not just enthusiasm – the Welsh workforce has one of the most diverse and high-level skill bases in Europe. This attitude and know-how is part of why Welsh employee productivity is over 25% higher in advanced materials and manufacturing.

In terms of resources and travel, Wales is close to London – there is nothing the packed capital can offer in terms of proximity that Wales can’t – but the cost of staff and property is 40% lower. Wales is an amazing place to live, with beautiful scenery, welcoming people, and a long and interesting history.

It’s for these reasons that Just Ask Wales wants major companies to consider relocating to Wales, and why they’ve been so successful in this aim. The likes of GE, Toyota, Amazon, British Airways, Deloitte and HSBC have already made the change, and are seeing the benefits emerge in real time.

Just Ask Wales’s business development team helps every step of the way. They begin by tasking a business development professional to get to grips with the fine details of a business, allowing them to understand and cater to specific support and business requirements. They’re in charge of hunting down the information needed to make an informed decision that will benefit individual businesses. They also provide a connection to major Welsh decision-makers, guaranteeing swift responses and negotiating flexible funding and support.

Once all this is done, they help choose a location and premises for the business, and continue offering custom advice and support options all the way through the process. Months and even years after the move, customers retain access to the same staff, guaranteeing that their advice always comes from someone with a genuine understanding of each business and its needs, whether that means helping to develop staff or aiding in the establishment of useful business collections.

]]>http://www.financial-news.co.uk/26691/2015/02/just-ask-wales/feed/0Optimism grows for a buoyant 2015 M&A markethttp://www.financial-news.co.uk/25999/2015/01/optimism-grows-for-a-buoyant-2015-ma-market/
http://www.financial-news.co.uk/25999/2015/01/optimism-grows-for-a-buoyant-2015-ma-market/#commentsMon, 12 Jan 2015 12:24:53 +0000http://www.financial-news.co.uk/?p=25999International law firm Allen and Overy published its M&A Index on Friday, which indicates that the mergers and acquisitions market is set to return to strong growth in 2015. The figures are based on global M&A deals worth more than USD100m and […]

International law firm Allen and Overy published its M&A Index on Friday, which indicates that the mergers and acquisitions market is set to return to strong growth in 2015.

The figures are based on global M&A deals worth more than USD100m and the company said megadeals dominated the market in 2014, with 94 high-value global deals of over GBP5bn, an 81% increase when compared to the previous year.

Hostile bids were up by 600% during 2014 and cross-border M&A transactions were recorded as being at the highest level since 2007.

According to Allen and Overy, the leading sectors were TMT and Life Sciences, which were closely followed by Energy that saw a strong first quarter. The most active M&A markets were in the US and Western Europe, followed by Asia Pacific, while activity in CIS and CEE was slower. The crisis in the Ukraine has resulted in economic uncertainty in Russia and transaction volumes for 2014 were a tenth of the levels in 2013 levels, amounting to just USD4bn.

During the calendar year 2014, Allen and Overy’s data shows there were 3,282 deals overall, valued at a total of USD3.12trn, compared with 2263 deals worth USD1.83tn in 2013. The UK was the main target for US outbound acquisitions with a total of 65 transactions, followed by Canada with 28 and Germany with 20. Strategic investors completed the majority of the deals in the US, in order to either extend their portfolios or add on new areas of growth.

Western Europe saw inconsistent economic growth in 2014, however overall transaction values still reached USD863bn. This was an increase of nearly USD400bn compared with the same period last year and was said to be driven by strong Life Sciences and TMT sectors. Europe is expected to experience a diverse M&A market with key deals anticipated in a number of sectors during 2015.

Activity in the Life Sciences sector has reportedly been instrumental in propelling overall M&A deals to pre-crisis levels. The value of deals reached USD530bn, driven by tax inversion strategies, patent cliffs, companies making strategic disposals and using cash on their balance sheets to invest in smaller biotech companies with active drug development pipelines, concluded Allen and Overy.

Global co-head of Corporate at Allen & Overy, Andrew Ballheimer, stated: “2014 saw the much anticipated return of M&A come to fruition. CEO confidence, relatively cheap financing and low interest rates drove a number of mega, transformative deals. These conditions, along with increasing numbers of hostile takeover attempts, and positive shareholder reaction to M&A, should remain key drivers for deal activity, but there remains uncertainty in the macro-political environment, which may inhibit deal flow.”

]]>http://www.financial-news.co.uk/25999/2015/01/optimism-grows-for-a-buoyant-2015-ma-market/feed/0Inflation smashing returns: A simple guide to peer-to-peer lendinghttp://www.financial-news.co.uk/25410/2014/12/inflation-smashing-returns-a-simple-guide-to-peer-to-peer-lending/
http://www.financial-news.co.uk/25410/2014/12/inflation-smashing-returns-a-simple-guide-to-peer-to-peer-lending/#commentsTue, 02 Dec 2014 12:11:31 +0000http://www.financial-news.co.uk/?p=25410Thousands of people, just like you, lend their money using an online peer-to-peer lending platform to other people, just like you. Lenders receive inflation smashing returns, much higher than those offered by bank savings. However, to the majority of people […]

Thousands of people, just like you, lend their money using an online peer-to-peer lending platform to other people, just like you. Lenders receive inflation smashing returns, much higher than those offered by bank savings. However, to the majority of people peer-to-peer lending can appear daunting, and understandably so. Few people would ever consider lending their money to a stranger in the street. Even fewer would lend large chunks of their hard earned savings. So how exactly can this new dawn in financial services be doubling in size every year? And maybe even more importantly, how can you benefit from this new innovation that is fast becoming mainstream?

First, it is important to understand how it works. It really is very simple – once you have selected a platform you wish to use, you sign up on their website, transfer some money into the platform and then lend it out. There are a range of different ways that your money is returned to you, a range of different platforms and a range of different ways that your money is protected.

THE RISK-REWARD PREDICAMENT

Lending to creditworthy consumers makes up 32% of the overall peer-to-peer market. Provided high standards of underwriting and suitable lender protection are provided, lending to consumers provides the most consistent returns and offers the least risk of losing money.

That said, with less risk comes less reward. Consumer orientated lenders pay returns around 5% per year. Some business focused lenders pay up to 10% per year, and in some cases even higher returns. However it is important to remember that platforms are marketplaces, therefore the market is pricing in significantly greater risk. During a recession the default rate of consumer loans can double, however with business lending it can increase much more dramatically.

Business lending makes up 43% of the market, this figure includes money that is lent against property. In property backed lending the risk/reward is harder to predict and is very much tied to economic cycles. Currently many lenders who make loans against property have very low loss ratios, however, property prices are appreciating. Should property prices become overheated, a 20% to 30% drop could create some large losses.

PROTECTION

Lender protection comes in all shapes and sizes, and many make compelling arguments to protect lenders money. In consumer lending there are two approaches, the first being a provision fund and the second where the platform has insured against many of the risks. So far, Lending Works is the only platform with insurance, making it a very safe option. During a growth cycle in the wider economy, provision funds alone should provide a decent level of protection, however during a severe recession if the provision funds are depleted lenders will lose money.

ARREARS AND DEFAULT RATES

The arrears and default rates of the platforms are the most effective way to review underwriting performance. It is important to acknowledge that lending money is a risky activity, and any responsible platform should have performed deep analysis on their underwriting procedures. Therefore, platforms maintaining low default rates now whilst the economy is growing are much more likely to keep much lower default rates when another recession occurs.

INVOLVEMENT IN THE PROCESS

Business and property lending often requires a significant commitment in time by the customer to select loans. As these sites often operate an auction model, where you bid against specific loans, it also requires an understanding of financial services to enable you to pick the winners from the losers.

Consumer lending is much more like a traditional financial product where you transfer money in, then start earning a return with much less input. You do not need to select individual loans, instead your money is pooled along with many other customers.

Many people will enjoy the process of selecting loans and also have the ability to pick the winners from the losers, therefore the more complicated business and property platforms will suit them best. For those who just want a great return with little input, consumer lending is simpler.

PEER TO PEER FINANCE ASSOCIATION

The industry trade body not only allows the platforms to share best practices, but it also operates as a pseudo regulator. The members of the association believe that whilst it is positive that the FCA has taken over regulation of the industry, they are not as close to the industry as the Association, and hence ensuring its members adhere to additional rules is important for the protection of customers.

Therefore, should a platform be a member of the P2PFA you can be more certain that they are operating responsibly and with customers’ priorities front of mind.

TRANSPARENCY

Any well run platform should have nothing to hide. Therefore, the more transparent a platform is the more trust they can command. At Lending Works we believe that arrears rates, default rates and other loan information should be front and centre. We also believe that key statistics about the loan book on the platform should be readily available to help you make your decision on which platform you choose.

SUMMARY

Whether you intend on dipping your toes into peer-to-peer lending in order to get a feel for it, or plan on making a more significant shift to work your savings harder, we believe the first process is to answer the suggestions from this guide. If you’re like me, hearing it from the source always helps my decision making, so Lending Works would be happy to answer any questions via phone (0207 0968 512) or email (CS@LendingWorks.co.uk).

]]>http://www.financial-news.co.uk/25410/2014/12/inflation-smashing-returns-a-simple-guide-to-peer-to-peer-lending/feed/1Has the Attraction of Investing in Emerging Markets Worn Off?http://www.financial-news.co.uk/25370/2014/11/has-the-attraction-of-investing-in-emerging-markets-worn-off/
http://www.financial-news.co.uk/25370/2014/11/has-the-attraction-of-investing-in-emerging-markets-worn-off/#commentsFri, 28 Nov 2014 11:05:21 +0000http://www.financial-news.co.uk/?p=25370Investors generally search for opportunities that can bring them the greatest return on investment with a minimized level of risk. The fact is that each investor has unique goals for a return on investment for their funds coupled with a […]

Investors generally search for opportunities that can bring them the greatest return on investment with a minimized level of risk. The fact is that each investor has unique goals for a return on investment for their funds coupled with a personalized level of tolerance for risk, but many are focused on identifying the best opportunities for their own needs and goals. They may also be focused on diversifying investments and breaking into new areas that they currently are not actively investing in as they search for the best opportunities. With this in mind, consider taking a closer look at the popularity of emerging markets. Recruitment agencies like Randstad can also guide you in terms of your financial goals and plans.

The Popularity of Emerging Markets for Investment Opportunities

Emerging markets are those that are in developing nations. These are markets that generally have considerably opportunity because of the rapid amount of growth and change that many of these markets are poised to experience in the near future. They are ripe with opportunity, but the markets can vary from location to location. It should be noted that growth in these areas is expected to be at least two to three times more than growth in developed markets. With this in mind, the interest in emerging markets for investments is expected to continue on.

A Full Range of Investment Options Available

Each investor will have the opportunity to invest a limited amount of funds in a manner that is best-suited for his goals and risk tolerance. When the economies in developed markets took a downturn due to the global economic recession, the opportunities in the emerging markets came into greater focus. There are currently great opportunities in both developing and developed markets, however. This results in a decrease in the popularity of emerging markets in comparison to the popularity of the markets in recent years. However, it is important to note that the potential growth in these areas is expected to continue to outperform developed markets. Because of this, there is a greater likelihood that investors will use emerging markets to diversify their portfolios rather than to invest solely in emerging markets.

The interest in different types of investments will vary and fluctuate from time to time based on other opportunities that are available as well as in investors’ tolerance for risk and required return on investment. Investors who choose to invest in emerging markets, however, should keep in mind that not all emerging markets are the same. Each market has unique opportunities and risks, and because of this, the markets should be analysed separately for their potential for growth. This, in turn, can also be compared to the opportunities available in developed markets so that investors can make sound decisions that are best for their needs and goals.

]]>http://www.financial-news.co.uk/25370/2014/11/has-the-attraction-of-investing-in-emerging-markets-worn-off/feed/0How Teddy Sagi is taking on the UKhttp://www.financial-news.co.uk/24964/2014/11/how-teddy-sagi-is-taking-on-the-uk/
http://www.financial-news.co.uk/24964/2014/11/how-teddy-sagi-is-taking-on-the-uk/#commentsWed, 05 Nov 2014 11:26:08 +0000http://www.financial-news.co.uk/?p=24964Teddy Sagi is on a bit of a spending spree. Earlier this year, the Playtech billionaire paid a massive £400 million for Camden Stables Market. Just a few weeks back, he poured another £90 million into the iconic Camden Lock […]

He is only just getting started though. An Israeli national, Sagi is based in Tel Aviv but leads the sort of jet-setting life that you would expect of a billionaire bachelor. However, his acquisition of prime land in North London, coupled with a number of recent listings on the London Stock Exchange, have led many to wonder whether the British capital may play a larger role in Sagi’s future business plans.

It certainly seems that way. Playtech itself has been listed on the London Stock Exchange since 2006, and is now listed as a FTSE 250 company. Over the past few years, Sagi himself has spearheaded two high profile IPOs on the London Stock Exchange: SafeCharge International Group plc and Crossrider Ltd.

Regulation watch

Sagi’s financial ties to the UK are obvious, but his long-term connections to London are perhaps more apparent in his commitment to following the UK’s increasingly strict gaming legislation and regulations. Recent laws, such as the US’ Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, have forced companies as Playtech to launch new brands or make adjustments to their business plans in order to obtain their operating licences. Sagi has made every effort to be at the forefront of the UK’s gambling regulation.

As a result, Playtech is now ready to launch a slew of new products on the regulated UK market, which are set to raise Sagi’s profile in the UK even further.

One upcoming venture is Titanbet Casino, a new Playtech-developed brand which has been specifically created for the regulated market in UK. Although the site does not yet have its licence in the UK, it is expected to happen in the very near future.

Global Domination

After this, who knows? The latest rumours suggest that Sagi is harbouring an interest in the UK football scene – football in particular. According to multiple sources, he is said to be considering a takeover bid on the English Championship football team Reading FC.

Meanwhile, market watchers are watching Sagi for hints as to his next move. In September, Playtech announced the £8 million acquisition of Aristocrat Lotteries, suggesting an expansion into the video lottery terminal (VLT) marketplace.

And then of course, there is the small matter of those 12.5 acres of prime real estate in Camden. While it is likely that Sagi will continue to maintain the existing market set-up, the possibilities are endless. City centre mansion, or gaming headquarters? Sagi is nothing if not innovative, and the world will be watching as his domination of the UK continues.

]]>http://www.financial-news.co.uk/24964/2014/11/how-teddy-sagi-is-taking-on-the-uk/feed/0New York City Regains Title as International Property Investment Capitalhttp://www.financial-news.co.uk/24903/2014/10/new-york-city-regains-title-as-international-property-investment-capital/
http://www.financial-news.co.uk/24903/2014/10/new-york-city-regains-title-as-international-property-investment-capital/#commentsFri, 31 Oct 2014 10:48:08 +0000http://www.financial-news.co.uk/?p=24903According to OPP Connect New York has found its groove again, and once again claimed the crown as “real estate capital of the world.” So just how much is being invested in NY property now, what types of returns are […]

According to OPP Connect New York has found its groove again, and once again claimed the crown as “real estate capital of the world.” So just how much is being invested in NY property now, what types of returns are being realized by investors, and what other destinations are hot on the heels of The Big Apple?

Data from C&W and OPP reveals New York climbed back into the number one spot in Q2 2014, with $55.4 billion in investment. This accounts for 7% of global market share, and has been greatly helped by soaring Asian investment. Norway and Canada have also represented top investors in New York in 2014.

Rising 40%, international property investment in London reached $47.3 billion in the second quarter, and is rapidly catching on New York. London still reportedly remains the largest global market for international property investment. Rightmove reports that contrary to previous predictions London home asking prices actually rose by the most in over a year, with a 7% increase from September to October 2014.

Tokyo leapt to third place by mid-2014, while total international property investment was recorded up 17.2% to $788 billion according to the report ‘Winning in Growth Cities’.

Despite New York really just working its way toward turning point, and a new upward phase in the housing cycle, some have already been experiencing incredible investment property performance in select developments over the last few years. This includes units at Rector Place, The Sheffield, 75 Wall, and 515 East 72nd Street, NYC which have seen capital appreciation of 24% to 65%.

New NYC property developments like The Pearl, which is a redevelopment of a landmark Owings and Merrill building are expected to fetch rental yields of 6%, and achieve similar appreciation. However, with new records being set in Brooklyn rents, and a booming demand for rental units, yields could prove even better.

With new tax breaks, the Startup NY program aimed at attracting more businesses with tax free zones, and more technology startups and venture capital shifting to New York, as well as new educational events being hosted in Hong Kong, and based on historical data property values investors should be able to anticipate another 10 years plus of strong capital gains.

Of course, not every apartment and home in New York is likely to perform the same. So what should investors be looking for in picking a smart international property investment in NY? Looking for value is wise, and can still be found. Compare units by price per square foot. Income potential is also important, and can vary from borough to borough. Look at different units within a development to find the best deals, and consider your own personal timeline. Finally, look for great property management to make the most of the opportunities available.